Perspective of Summer Solstice

Observation Point

Spring and Autumn Gathering Space

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Have Fun

Rees Park is located on Toronto's waterfront. There are many parks built along the waterfront, but most of them do not offer many activities that can be done in the parks. These parks are usually only used for static activities. The area is also filled with traffic noise from the Gardiner Express on the north side and Queen Quay on the south side. Thus, this project seeks to provide more activities for people at the waterfront and transform this place from a noisy environment to a place where people can play freely.

Recently, the trend of skateboarding, parkour and some other urban sports have been growing and becoming popular among young people. While some sports may seem dangerous, they are beneficial for people's physical and mental health. However, most public spaces are not very welcoming to skateboarders and parkourists. For this reason, the project aims to offer a space for urban sports users. In addition to providing a venue for these urban sports, this project also provides viewing opportunities for the public to learn more about these sports. In addition, it also provides space for recreational activities.

The goal of the project is to let everyone can find their own space to have fun in Rees Park.

Independent Work

Location: Rees Park, Toronto

Professors: Robert Wright, Liz Wreford

Project Annual/ Level: Sep-Dec, 2022. MLA

Optional Studio Design

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Landscape of Power

The thesis topic is exploring landscape and its role as an expression of power. Historically in Taiwan, monuments and architecture are used to express political authority. The western core district of Taipei has been a central location for the national government and its symbols since the founding of Taiwan. The buildings in this district are government-led and controlled. Over time, outdoor space has gradually transitioned to more public use for residents’ daily activities, demonstrations, and protests, reflecting the more democratic voice of the people. This project aims to further establish this democratic relationship through landscape by connecting the past and the present, creating spaces for true public use, and encouraging a new relationship between the government and the people.

Independent Work

Location: Taipei, Taiwan

Advisor: Elise Shelley

Project Annual/ Level: Jan-Apr, 2023. MLA

Graduate Graduation Thesis Project

Issue

There are bronze statues of Chiang Kai-shek all over Taiwan. However, many bronze statues have been removed over time with development and urban construction. The authoritative imagery represented by these bronze statues has quietly disappeared, demonstrating Taiwan's gradual transformation from an authoritarian to a democratic society. Does the removal of the statues represent a step forward in Taiwan's democratic society? Or is it an erasure of historical memory? How can landscape participate in this issue?

road in front of the building is heavily guarded, and motorcycles and bicycles are not allowed to pass. The restricted area in front

Colonial Period 1949-1987 Mar�al Law Period planned commercial

1895-1945 Taiwan was colonized by Japan during this period. The site was used as military space.

A�er Japan's defeat in World War II, the Na�onal Government of the Republic of China took over Taiwan by order of the United Na�ons Supreme Commander.

The

Wild Lily Protest This is the first student Demonstra�on, proposed reform of the poli�cal governing system and revised laws. This event had a big impact and qualita�ve change on the democra�c poli�cs of Taiwan.

2000 The Democra�c

Progressive Party became the ruling party. It’s the first transi�on of power in Taiwan.

The Kuomintang won the presiden�al elec�on and became renamed again.

Existing Condition Analysis

The existing landscape design of the site was primarily focused on strengthening authoritarian power of the buildings, including circulation, tree planting method, etc., without considering the surrounding urban context and user needs. In Taiwan's hot and rainy climate, shade is essential for people's activities. The site's political significance and proximity to the capital's transportation hub make it not only a local neighborhood space but also a site used by citizens, leading to occasional protests and huge events.

Daily Activities

Design Strategy

Removing Symbols of Authoritarian Power:

This includes removing some non-functional structures and elements that symbolize authority and reducing the prominence of authoritative buildings.

Breaking the Symmetrical Layout and the Dominance of Buildings: Create a new landscape identity for the site:

The symmetrical layout of the space will be broken up by demolishing walls in an asymmetric approach to create a more cohesive space. The central axis will be shifted towards a more inclusive public realm facing all directions with more entrances and exits, and it will become a green urban corridor connecting the city.

Rather than being dominated by buildings, the site will be transformed with a new groundscape that welcomes people and provides space for public uses. By prioritizing the needs and desires of the people, it will become a public realm for the public instead of the government.

Proposed Condition

The public promenade spaces of the Presidential Office and the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall will be integrated and connected through a cohesive paving design, with multiple entrance based on the surrounding urban context, and different circulations on the ground and elevated levels to create diverse connections and relationships with the buildings. The use of terrain elevation, pavilion roofs, and ground plane shifts will reduce the sense of building height oppression while providing new dominant landscape features. Some existing vegetations will be preserved, like cherry blossom, and native species will be introduced to increase biodiversity. Diverse planting methods will provide varied activity spaces.

Considering the needs of different user groups, daily and large-scale event spaces, diversified, scalable, and flexible usage spaces are provided to encourage spontaneous activities by the people. Additionally, certain areas are designated for community engagement and participation, providing a more diverse range of spaces to promote community involvement.